DIRECT TV SIGNING UP SUBSCRIBERS ... AND A NEW LEAGUE?

DirecTV, the CA company that sells programming for the 18-
inch home satellite dishes, "is close to a deal" that will offer
subscribers 200 NHL games for $59. Company spokesperson Linda
Brill said the company has upgraded its software to improve the
ability to transmit "fast-moving sports." Brill: "Some technical
experts are much more supportive than they were initially."
Meanwhile, Brill said the number of subscribers has grown to
350,000, up from 220,000 before Christmas. Brill: "We're hooking
up about 3,000 a day" (Steve Zipay, N.Y. NEWSDAY, 1/24).